Definitive Guide to Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro

The Hellcat Pro is a semi-automatic CO2 BB pistol that is perfect for many applications. It is a mix of metal parts as well as synthetic, making it lightweight and perfect for a first-time user for practice or play. The total weight is 1.25 lbs. and measures 6.5 inches in overall length. It is available in two different color options, black or FDE (flat dark earth).

The powerplant is one 12-gram CO2 cartridge, which fits nicely in the grip, and the appropriate ammunition is .177 caliber BBs. The BBs load into the 17-round drop-free magazine, of which extras are available, assisting in the practice of a quick mag drop and reload with the easily accessible mag release on the left side of the grip.

The textured grip and thumbrest give it a more secure feel and do not limit it to a right-hand or left-hand orientation. Inside the grip is the Allen key for the release screw for the CO2 chamber. If you are right or left-handed, this will assuredly fit you, and if you like to show off your ambidexterity, you can do that too.

The SA/DA trigger is another feature that replicates other triggers to get as realistic practice for much less than a shooter would otherwise. It is equipped with a double safety trigger and a manual safety.

It has a 4.3-inch smooth-bore barrel, as it should; it is a BB gun. Above the barrel is the metal slide. The realistic blowback action, of course, doesn't match the recoil of an actual firearm, but it gives the impression of the movement to expect when squeezing the trigger on one.

Above the barrel and action is the optic cut (red dot adapter included) to allow the shooter more options. You can stick with the fixed front and rear sights or change out the plate and mount a pistol red dot like the one from Air Venturi. Without the red dot, accuracy comes naturally for this one and with a red dot, it goes beyond some's accuracy expectations for a BB pistol.

Let us not leave out the possibility for a laser or flashlight to be mounted on the pic rail under the barrel, to give a more tactical look and feel. This will allow you to do some fun night shooting or practical low-light practice, depending on your accessory.

Setup & Operation

Let's move on to the next line of business! This one is pretty simple; setup won't take long at all. First, decide if you want to utilize the fixed blade and rear sight or if you'd like to mount a red dot sight. To shoot it straight out of the box, all you'll need is the Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro, one 12-gram CO2 cartridge, Pellgun Oil, Air Venturi Steel BB's, safety glasses, and an appropriate target (remember, never shoot steel with BB's).

After opening the box, take a look at the directions and any warnings. Next, remove the Hellcat Pro and examine it to be sure everything is intact. Once you've made sure everything is intact, press the mag release and eject the magazine. Then flip the pistol over to see into the grip where you'll press the release for the CO2 compartment. The backside of the grip will come off, exposing the CO2 compartment.

Loosen the Allen screw to allow room for the new CO2 cartridge. Place a drop of the Pellgun Oil on the top of the CO2 cartridge and insert it facing up into the grip. Using the tool inside the removable grip, tighten the screw until the CO2 has been pierced. Replace the backside of the grip and move on to the magazine.

To load the 17-round magazine, pull the follower all the way down until it locks into place. Place your finger behind the loading hole to keep the BBs from falling through. While holding the magazine at a slight upright angle, insert the BBs into the loading hole until full. Unlock the follower so it can properly guide the BB's to the top of the magazine. With the Hellcat Pro pointed in a safe direction and the safety still engaged, insert the magazine into the bottom of the grip.

When you are ready to take your first shots, disengage the safety, take aim, and squeeze the trigger. Give yourself and the pistol a few grace shots as you get accustomed to one another.

Performance & Accuracy

When one picks up a BB pistol like this one, being a sub-hundred-dollar pistol, the expectations may not be very high. One may think, "I may need some big targets for this one: soda cans, clay pigeons, and such". The reality is, this one, even at such a low price point, is a great performer. You'll get approximately 92 shots per 12-gram CO2 cartridge, with about sixty of them producing close to full power.

The results achieved shooting this one as a pistol are meant to be shot - offhand - were impeccable! When it comes down to it, accuracy is key. The goal is to hit the target, and this one wants to accomplish that goal as much as you do.

When testing, the dirt berm will take some hits first to get a feel for the trigger and all its components. Here are the accuracy results with the .177 Air Venturi Steel BB's at five yards.

When testing CO2, the reality is it is going to begin with a higher velocity than decline until the CO2 is depleted. The Chronograph results show the first shot as the high and shot 92 as the low.

Air Venturi Steel BB's results at 5 yards:

• High: 397 FPS
• Low: 177 FPS
• Average: 327 FPS

Summing Up

The Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro is a lightweight, easy-to-operate BB pistol! One that will meet the expectations of many applications. The textured grip, semi-auto action pistol is ready to hit the range, whether for fun or serious practice.

Don't forget to accessorize to make the most of your experience with a Deluxe Combo Holster for carrying and unholstering practice. Of course, for a tactical look, you must get the ASG Universal Pistol Laser to pinpoint your aim! Last but not least, everyone hates to stop shooting to reload the magazine; be sure to add an extra 17-round drop-free magazine to the cart.

If you're looking for a fun plinker, this one is equipped to fill and exceed all your expectations through the looks, the feel, the operation, performance, and accuracy. The ability to accessorize creates a fun, budget-friendly platform for all!